50 children rescued by firefighters after ‘major flooding incident’ cuts off school

Around 50 children were rescued by firefighters yesterday after a “major incident” was declared in Lincolnshire due to flooding.

Pupils at Edenham Primary School, near Bourne, became stranded on Monday when surrounding roads were left underwater following snow and heavy rainfall.

The Lincolnshire Resilience Forum warned conditions would worsen overnight as surface water freezes over.

Both treated and untreated roads are expected to become very icy and pose a significant risk to motorists.

Yesterday’s emergency declaration enabled special arrangements for organisations to work together in responding to the crisis.

Community responders quickly mobilised to help evacuate the stranded schoolchildren.

The Lincolnshire Community Assistance Team confirmed their involvement on social media, stating they had “responders on scene at Edenham, supporting other community response groups in the safe evacuation of children from a primary school”.

Local residents with 4x4s and other suitable vehicles also answered appeals for assistance.

All children were successfully evacuated from the premises, with the community-led operation ensuring their safe removal from the flooded site.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• US weather: Major snow deluge set to unleash worst storm for a decade
• Snow set to hit southern England in days as Met Office issues warning
• Heavy snowfall causes chaos as flights and trains delayed amidst SEVEN yellow warnings

Sixteen properties in the village of Billingborough were also evacuated due to flooding, with the village hall established as a refuge centre.

Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Service reported receiving more than 140 flood-related calls on Monday.

These included 14 calls about stranded drivers and over 50 regarding flooded properties.

A Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue spokesman said: “Our crews have been supporting communities across the county pumping out water where possible and helping people to safety.”

The spokesman added: “If you have to travel, please take care on the roads where standing water is hazardous.”

Road conditions were expected to become treacherous as temperatures dropped below zero from 5pm Monday.

Darrell Redford, who leads gritting operations at Lincolnshire County Council, warned conditions would be “very dicey”.

“The heavy rain mixed with snow has been difficult enough to deal with, but we’re now facing early freezing temperatures which are going to add a lot of complications for road users,” he said.

Redford also warned that standing water would freeze and run-off water from adjacent land would create additional hazards.

Cllr Richard Davies, the council’s executive member for highways, noted the unusually early freezing temperatures coincided with peak traffic times.

“We are doing everything possible with our expert gritting fleet,” he assured residents.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his concern for those affected by the flooding in Lincolnshire and other parts of the country.

“My thoughts are with all those affected and my thanks to responders working hard to keep communities safe,” Starmer said yesterday.

The Prime Minister also urged residents to follow emergency services’ advice.

The severe weather conditions have prompted a coordinated emergency response across the county.

Officials continue to monitor the situation as freezing temperatures threaten to worsen existing flood impacts.

Residents in affected areas are advised to stay updated through local emergency service channels.